candid
KAN-did
/ˈkændɪd/
Truthful, straightforward, and frank; unreserved in expression.
Implies a willingness to speak the raw truth even when it might be uncomfortable or uncomplimentary.
The story behind the word. The word traces back to the Latin 'candidus', meaning dazzling white or pure. In Ancient Rome, men seeking public office wore glowing white toga garments known as the 'toga candida' to symbolize their pure motives and honest character—a custom that also gave us the word 'candidate'. Over time, the English word came to describe speech that is bright, clear, and unblemished by deceit.
Word relationships
- frank: Frank implies directness that bordering on bluntness, whereas candid emphasizes openness and freedom from bias.
- outspoken: Outspoken describes a tendency to speak freely in public, while candid refers to the honest nature of a specific remark.
- evasive: Evasive means deliberately avoiding giving a direct answer.
- disingenuous: Disingenuous implies pretending to know less or be more naive than one actually is.
Commonly confused with
- kind: Candid focuses on truthfulness regardless of impact, whereas kind focuses on gentleness and benevolence.
Word family
- candor (noun): The quality of being open, honest, and sincere.
- candidly (adverb): In an honest and straightforward manner.
Collocations
- candid feedback
- candid assessment
- candid discussion
- candid admission
Idioms & expressions
- to be candid
Example sentences
- "To be candid, I felt that her criticism was far more helpful than polite flattery." Literary character observation
- "I must be candid with you and admit that I was terrified when I took the stage." Autobiographical quote
Memory hook
Think of a 'candid camera' catching someone off guard in an unposed, bright light, revealing the unvarnished truth. White toga of Roman truth.
When not to use
Do not use to describe physical objects or factual data directly, unless referring to unposed photography.
Fun facts
- Roman candidates rubbed chalk into their wool togas to make them extra bright for election day.
Related words
Explore more words
candor, frank, straightforward, outspoken, uncomplimentary, unpretentious
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